NOTES FROM PIPEY'S CORNER

Volume V Number 2; February 2000

THE CRYING GAME, Act I, Scene 2

So everyone liked last month's column, right? HA! I knew it would stir up a flap. Hey, if you can't have fun, what's the use?

JUST IN JANUARY 15TH:

NIAGARA POLICE SWITCH TO DUATONE DRONE REEDS

from Ringo Bowen - P/M Al Ash announced today that The Niagara Regional Police Pipe Band would be playing Mark Wygent's new Duatone drone reeds this competition season. In a major change from previous reeds, P/M Ash discovered over Christmas that the new Duatone reed provides the steadiest drone with the fullest tone available today for the widest range of pipes - from ca. 1900s Hendersons and Lawries to modern Glens. The NRPPB has placed consistantly in the top six in Grade II at the World Championships for the last several years, and the new reed may put them over the top in August. Once again - the proof is in the playing!

COMPANA NEWS: By the time you read this, the fur will be flying. Black Part, the Scourge of the Scottish Main (California Division) filed a motion in Federal Court against WUSPBA on the 18th of last month, for an Ex Parte Protection Order halting the band association elections on the 5th of this month. The judge in Federal Court in Reno denied the order without prejudice because of insufficient time before the elections. The order may be resubmitted later, along with a formal complaint. John is serious about this, kids. And mean to boot. COMPANA's supporters now number P/M Bill Livingstone, of the 78th Frasers, Ringo Bowen, of the Niagara Police, and P/M Brian Donaldson of the Scots Guards. Brian is the new VP of the Competing Pipers Association of Scotland, upon which the organisation and philosophy of COMPANA is based. Speaking of names, rumour has it that numerous drummers have taken an interest in the organisation; the name has been changed to COMPADA (COMpeting Pipers And Drummers Association) as of this writing. Oh, yes, someone on the NG thought that John's legal action might be a hoax just to get more people to Vegas on the 5th - nothing could be farther from the truth. We're trying to get the vote for those who CAN'T be there, and we're as serious as a heart attack. John's still running for President of WUSPBA, even though the odds are heavily against him - he WILL be at the AGM, even though he, like many of us, can't afford a $500 junket to Vegas just a month after Christmas. In addition the individual who needs to be served the papers ducked the process server at his home - smart move, Ace!

VIEWS AND REVIEWS

The new Chris Armstrong CD is out; the kid has redefined pipe music for this century. An incredible and varied collection of original compositions, impeccably played. Strong Breton and Galician influence on some cuts; beautiful, melodic tunes in which the embellishments actually ENHANCE the melody line. Traditional strathspeys and reels, modern hornpipes, a truly moving slow air set, and some electronic 'technopiping' that will have you really sitting up. JP says, "- a MUST BUY for the lover of innovative piping...." I agree.

More words of wisdom from JP: "I have recently been sent a Kintail 2000 Pipe Chanter to evaluate. My first impressions are very good. Excellent craftsmanship in this piece of wood. So how does it stack up to my Naill? Well the Naill is taped a bit on the High A, High G, and D. Same reed set in the Kintail 2000 required no tape. There is considerably more volume on the upper notes with the Kintail 2000. The Kintail 2000 has a wider bore, and this is where the extra volume comes from. With the Megarity-Ross reeds, which I normally use, the Kintail 2000 is very good. With Apps and Higgins reeds, also very good. It is my opinion that the Kintail 2000 is excellent for bands, where the extra volume on the upper notes can be a real blessing. For solo work, the extra volume may allow a slightly easier reed, while still delivering great tone, and again could be a blessing when performing some of the longer Piobaireachds. Serious players should have a go at this chanter." -John Eric Partanen

In fine:

SO, what's it going to be, then? Will Black Part emerge triumphant or be shot down in flames? Will the elections go forward or be overturned? Once more the column sounds like a trailer for 'SOAP!'

...until next month!